Housing’s Latest Legislation, a User’s Guide

Last week was a full one in the legislative debate about fixing San Francisco’s housing crisis. Here at Mission Local HQ we could barely keep up with all the various proposals, amendments, and votes. To help you sort through the administrative mess, here’s a (hopefully) useful guide to the latest in housing legislation:

What’s Happening in Sacto

Ellis Act Reform Bill

This state bill (SB1439) would attempt to reduce the number of Ellis Act evictions by requiring a landlord to own a building for five years before being able to evict tenants under the Ellis Act. If passed, the bill would only apply to San Francisco.

Who’s behind it: California Senator Mark Leno, with support of Mayor Lee, a coalition of tech companies, and housing activists.

What detractors say: The California Apartment Association says Leno’s bill impinges on the rights of small-time property owners who may lose money in those five years of renting out a property they intend to take off the market.

What supporters say: The Ellis Act was meant to allow long-term owners to retire from the rental business. It was not meant to allow new owners to retire so soon—and by “retire,” we mean flip a rental property with existing tenants

Status: After getting just enough votes in the Senate, Leno took an amended version bill to the Assembly but failed to get enough votes there this week.

Legislative Future: Leno could request a second vote to try to pass it again, but his office has not yet stated whether they will do so. So far, prospects look grim.